JFK+50: Volume 6, No. 2051
WASHINGTON FORCED TO RETREAT FROM BROOKLYN HEIGHTSBrooklyn Heights, New York (JFK+50) 240 years ago today, August 27, 1776, Continental forces under General George Washington were defeated by British forces at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights*.
The Americans suffered 2000 casualties while the British, under General William Howe and his brother Admiral Richard Howe, lost less than 400.
General Washington had built batteries on Manhattan and Long Island to stop the British fleet from sailing past New York City, but soon found his position on Brooklyn Heights untenable as the British were in striking distance with a 2 to 1 advantage and his back to the East River.
The General, however, managed to put his artillery, 9000 troops and their supplies across the river without harm. Although having suffered defeat, Washington's escape is considered one of his greatest military accomplishments.
BritishBattles.com/ says the Battle of Brooklyn Heights and the loss of New York was "the worst period of the war for Washington and the American cause for independence."
*The Battle of Brooklyn Heights, a.k.a. Battle of Long Island, was the 1st of the American Revolutionary War fought after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The British victory secured for the Crown control of New York City. It is also regarded as the largest battle of the War for Independence.
SOURCE
"The Battle of Long Island, 1776," BritishBattles.com, www.britishbattles.com/
Delaware Regiment
at the Battle of Long Island
August 27, 1776
Photo of Painting by Domenick D'Andrea
